Optimize by Technology | Sports Science Lab

The Sports Science lab uses state-of-the-art motion tracking software to analyze sport-specific motion based on angular velocities, joint angles and accelerations. This technology provides a detailed analysis of an athlete’s biomechanics, which describes how the kinetic chain is functioning. Muscles, connective tissues, joints, bones, nerves, and gravity, all work together like links in a chain to create a delicate system that ideally works effectively and efficiently. Healthy biomechanics enable us to move efficiently by properly supporting all the elements of the kinetic chain.

Poor biomechanics cause the body to overcompensate for failing links, resulting in increased energy expenditure, muscle fatigue, and pain. What’s worse, even a temporally failing link can influence and alter the brain’s record on how to move optimally. This is what leads to poor habit formation, poor muscle memory and the continuation of poor biomechanics. Understanding of the kinetic chain can enable us to effectively treat our pain. If we treat only the location of the symptoms, or use a singular correction approach, we fail to treat the source of dysfunction within the kinetic chain and the symptoms will likely reoccur.

The quantitative results from the 3D motion and kinematic assessment allow our sports scientists to scientifically analyze movement patterns and to identify biomechanical inefficiencies and muscular imbalances that may be invisible to the human eye or may go undetected. Our team of experts will work closely with coaches, trainers, and parents in developing a customized formula aimed at correcting an athlete’s structural deficiencies, thus ensuring that the athlete performs at their optimal level and breaks through any pre-existing barriers of performance limitations caused by undetected inefficiencies or imbalances.

Professional sport organizations such the Houston Texans (NFL), Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), Ultimate Fighter (UFC), University of Nebraska, University of Michigan, and Nike’s Sport Lab have implemented this technology for their athletes.

Benefits to athletes

Helps athlete reach their peak performance levels
Better movement efficiency
Detect and correct muscular imbalances
Corrects structural deficiencies
Prevent occurrence of injuries
Prevent overcompensation or repetitive use injuries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qjHemHvTGc

EMG Muscle Response Analysis

Surface EMG (electromyography) is the only definitive tool proven to accurately assess symmetry, synergy and sequencing of single muscles and muscle groups. The technology is based on measuring of small electrical impulses that are transmitted along muscle fibers during the contraction and relaxation of the athlete’s muscles during sport-specific movements. These measurements are used to identify the sequence and biomechanical patterns of that muscle’s activation and movement. As dysfunctional movement patterns can cause pain, prolong muscle soreness-fatigue and even injuries, the information obtained by surface EMG technology assists our board-certified sports clinicians in determining the most appropriate prehabilitation, rehabilitation and/or training formulas to improve movement efficiency, reduce muscle fatigue, correct dysfunctions, muscle imbalances and prevent injuries.

Surface EMG technology is used by many professional organizations such as the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), Houston Texans (NFL), United States Olympic Center, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, University of Michigan, University of Central Florida, University of Kentucky, and the Spaulding National Running Center.

Benefits to athletes

Improved performance
Injury prevention
Corrects dysfunctions
Improved movement efficiency
Reduced muscle fatigue
Faster rehabilitation

Neurotechnology: Brain Training

The Interactive Metronome (IM) is a cutting-edge performance optimizing technology that combines principles of music, sports and neuroplasticity to improve focus, concentration, coordination and timing. It can also be used to improve language processing, reading and math fluency, and control of impulsivity/aggression. Correct timing and coordination are crucial to athletic success when even the smallest errors in timing can make a difference between victory and loss. The IM provides a training program that involves matching various motor activities with the beat of a metronome while measuring the timing accuracy to within milliseconds. This technology improves connectivity and communication between the different task-oriented structures in the brain, resulting in a better ability to adapt one’s movements to specific conditions, tasks and environments, making the coordination between the mind and the muscles easier, and as a consequence, more effective.

This unique technology is used by hundreds of professional athletes such as professional golfers Vijay Singh and Glen Day to gain mental precision in timing and the transmission of messages along the neural pathways, effectively gaining a competitive edge. In addition to these athletes, IM has been used by many university and professional sports teams to improve performance, including: Miami Heat (NBA), Miami Dolphins (NFL), Florida Panthers (NHL), University of Notre Dame, Syracuse University, University of North Carolina and the University of Miami.

Benefits to athletes

Improved timing of movements
Improved accuracy of movements
Better decision-making
Faster reaction time
Better competitive edge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRdG3OZ3Rcc

Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill

Originally designed to enhance exercise programs for NASA astronauts, the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill is among the most advanced next-generation sports rehabilitation technologies ever created. The system uses NASA-patented differential air pressure unweighting technology to reduce the users’ bodyweight by as much as 80 percent, thus reducing the risk of stress injuries caused by weight-bearing activities and helping to speed up recovery. Particularly for users with lower extremity injuries, physical therapy and other rehabilitation methods often have to be delayed because weight bearing activities, high impact activities such as walking or running can exacerbate the injury. Since the Alter G treadmill eliminates the difficulties associated with body weight, it can be used early in the rehabilitation process to normalize gait mechanics, and safely perform aerobic conditioning without the risk of aggravating the injury.

The world’s most elite athletes such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James use the Alter G treadmill as a part of their daily in-season and off-season training regimen as it reduces the impact on their joints. Other professional organizations that use the alter G include the World Champions New England Patriots, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, and NCAA Football National Champions Ohio State Buckeyes. The Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill is currently being used by 29 NFL, 27 NBA, and 21 MLB teams along with 112 Universities and Colleges, including 5 Division II, 7 Division III, and 1 community college. The Anti-Gravity Treadmill is also used in 4 US Olympic Training Centers throughout the world.

The University of Alabama uses Alter G to reduce stress to the lower body when athletes are in the rehabilitation phase. Most recently, their running back Eddie Lacy used Alter G to recover from a toe injury. Alabama’s Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Jeff Allen explains “what this allows us to do is take a guy and run them at a lower percentage of their body weight. Theoretically, if you weigh 200 pounds, I can put you in here and set this to run you at what it would feel like to run at 50 pounds.”

Benefits to athletes

Faster rehabilitation
Improved conditioning, even while recovering from injuries
Reduced pain
Improved performance
Reduced risk of injuries
Improved running form
Reduced impact on joints for athletes, in- or off-season training

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjyiqpjCbLI

Isokinetic Extremity Testing + Rehab

The Isokinetic extremity machine is the ultimate tool for measuring and improving human performance in athletes. It uses 22 standard test and exercise patterns to precisely measure torque-over-time delineating muscle imbalances and inefficiencies from one extremity to the other in various positions. It is so accurate that the NFL has decided to implement isokinetic strength testing as a mandatory component of the Combine. This “lie detector” of muscles and muscle groups helps our Sports Scientists and biomechanic specialists uncover areas of weakness that inhibit performance and increase the risk of injury. The assessments performed on the Isokinetic Extremity machine are designed to quantify mobility, stability, control and strength. A comprehensive analysis of movement includes isokinetic testing, which measures dynamic capabilities of different muscle groups throughout the range of motion; and isometric testing, which is particularly useful when dynamic testing is not possible. These measurements are compared to a large database of healthy professional players and once results are gathered, the machine offers four types of resistance for strengthening and correcting the areas of weakness:

1) Passive Mode (CPM or active assisted) develops the mobility that the athlete requires, from straight pattern movements to complex PNF patterns. This mode can also be used with the weakest of athletes or patients recovering from an injury to stimulate eccentric muscle contraction and proprioception (awareness of muscles in space) by replicating a demonstrated speed.

2) Isometric mode safely stabilizes the joint while avoiding painful range of motion. This mode can also be used for proprioception training that improves the sense of joint positioning.

3) Isokinetic mode is the most efficient way to improve strength. It uses concentric and eccentric loading exercises as well as deceleration training to simulate real-time injury prevention.

4) Isotonic mode facilitates neuromuscular improvement with functional isotonic concentric/eccentric resistance exercises coupled with user defined velocity based feedback displays.

In addition to standard exercise modes, the Norm Isokinetic Extremity System further improves joint position and kinesthetic sense by a games mode, which allows assessment and exercise protocols to be performed without the perception of clinical exercise.
Scientific studies have proven that this technology is effective at reducing pain, improving muscle strength, increasing the velocity of muscle recruitment and stabilizing the joints, all of which are essential for efficient movement and injury prevention. For example, one study in baseball players has shown that Norm Isokinetic Extremity System (formerly known as Cybex) improved muscle velocity and improved shoulder strength in baseball players, which are crucial for pitching success.

Benefits to athletes

Improved performance
Injury prevention
Improved movement efficiency
Reduced fatigue
Faster recovery from exercise
Faster rehabilitation

3D Sports Simulation Training

3D Sports Simulation is the only technology of its kind that can simultaneously track the integration of the brain, heart, and body while moving in free space. It uses clinically inspired models to measure various aspects of movement to evaluate sport-specific abilities. The simulator mimics the unpredictable game play by displaying visual cues that the athlete must react to while measuring moment-to-moment reaction time, acceleration, speed, distance traveled and heart rate that cannot be measured with more archaic methods.

Currently, most coaches rely on a stopwatch to test for speed and reaction time. By testing the athletes’ stamina, balance and coordination, visual perception and mobility, the 3D Sports Simulation Technology provides more precise and objective data, allowing coaches and trainers to design better programs that result in improved performance.

The 3D Sports Simulation Technology at the Sports Science Lab is so effective that the United States Air Force uses it to train their fighter pilots. World-renowned sport organizations such as the Cleveland Indians (MLB) and University of Alabama implement this training into daily practice and return to play protocols for their athletes. Hall of Fame and NFL superstar, Deion Sanders, has called it the “future of athlete development”.

Benefits to athletes

Improved performance
Improved reaction time
Better hand-eye coordination
Accurate and objective data for coaches
Assess athlete’s ability to return to play following injury

3D Baseline Concussion Assessment

The 3D Baseline concussion assessment is the most accurate concussion detection system in the industry. Unfortunately, concussions are common in athletes, especially those who play contact sports like soccer or football. While 300,000 sports-related concussions are diagnosed annually, it is estimated that approximately one-third of athletes have suffered undiagnosed concussions. Since the effects of concussions add up over time, it is critically important to diagnose them early and ensure that athletes are sufficiently recovered before returning to their sport. The Sports Science Lab therefore provides the most accurate and sensitive method of concussion assessment. Our 3D Sports Simulation Technology immerses the athlete in a simulated environment that collects and analyzes 3-dimensional movement responses (pre and post concussion) and identifies deficits in neurocognitive testing following an injury. It looks at depth perception, visual acuity anticipation skills, and peripheral awareness. Our team of expert clinicians also use the state-of-the-art sports simulator to establish an objective baseline functional assessment of an athlete while they are in a healthy state. Because movement responses and reaction times are unique to each athlete, our baseline assessment allows our sports scientists to compare the data pre- and post-concussion and determine the extent of the injury and best course of treatment for each athlete. The technology used by the Sports Science Lab is the gold standard of concussion assessment that provides a structured return-to-play protocol that ensures that athlete’s safety and optimal performance.

This assessment is so accurate that the University of Alabama has implemented it as the go-to technology in assessing brain related injuries for all of their athletes.

Benefits to athletes

Improved rehabilitation after a concussion
Reduced risk of future concussions
Safer return to play
Improved performance post-concussion

Whole Body Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy may be the perfect elixir for faster recovery after periods of physical training. During intense physical activities, the joints and muscles get overused, resulting in fatigue of the joints and the tearing of muscle tissues. The result is the induction of the body’s repair system, which is physically manifested as pain and inflammation. Inflammation happens when cells involved in repair are recruited to the site of injury, where they release enzymes that form the machinery of workers to repair damaged tissues. The inflammation process is normal and necessary to build stronger joints and muscles, but it often limits the performance of athletes, especially if it persists for a long time.

Cryotherapy, translated as “cold cure” exposes the body to a controlled temperature that ranges from minus 166 to minus 274 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. The extremely cold temperature activates the body’s fight-or-flight reaction, ensuing vasoconstriction and the consequent reduction in the production of molecules that are the cause for inflammation. After the treatment, the body immediately reheats and vasodilation occurs, flushing the muscles with oxygenated blood, thus speeding up the healing process. Cryotherapy works by the temporary numbing of the nerve endings that report to the brain that you have pain in your joints or muscles while also inducing the release of endorphins (aka. feel good hormones) that endow athletes with the mental fortitude to train harder, longer, and at a higher frequency.

Cryotherapy is a safe and effective mechanism to minimize the pain associated with inflammation, and therefore allows intense physical activity even when the body is in repair mode. Each cryotherapy session only takes three minutes versus twenty minutes in a cold tub and is clinically proven to be much more effective for therapy and sports performance properties.

Many professional sports organizations across the globe have incorporated whole body Cryotherapy into their training routines due to its convenience and effectiveness. Athletes, ranging from professionals to weekend warriors, claim that Cryotherapy gives them an edge over competitors by allowing them to prepare more effectively for competition, recover faster from workouts, and train harder. Elite athletes such as Floyd Mayweather, Lebron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo all implement this recovery technology into their everyday training routine. Professional Organizations that have incorporated this technology for their athletes include: the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Sparks, Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, Texas Rangers, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Maple Leaf Toronto, The Olympic Sports Center of Poland, Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, New York Rangers, and the United States Olympic Team.

Benefits to athletes

Improved performance
Faster recovery from exercise
Reduced muscle soreness
Faster rehabilitation
Better competitive edge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_vd_BGFMuI

Localized Cryotherapy

Localized cryotherapy is similar to whole body cryotherapy, but it targets a specific muscle area or spasm. Therapy is applied with a localized device, which disperses cold air that reaches -25 to -40oC by a precision hose, which cools the affected area. Localized cryotherapy is more powerful and effective than traditional icing and takes between 3 to 5 minutes per session, compared to 10 to 15 minutes of icing.

The extremely cold temperature activates the body’s fight-or-flight reaction, ensuing vasoconstriction and the consequent reduction in the production of molecules that are the cause for inflammation. After the treatment, the body immediately reheats and vasodilation occurs, flushing the muscles with oxygenated blood, thus speeding up the healing process. Cryotherapy works by the temporary numbing of the nerve endings that report to the brain that you have pain in your joints or muscles while also inducing the release of endorphins (aka. feel good hormones) that endow athletes with the mental fortitude to train harder, longer, and at a higher frequency.

Elite athletes such as Floyd Mayweather, Lebron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo all implement this recovery technology into their everyday training routine.

Professional Organizations that have incorporated this technology for their athletes include: the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Sparks, Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, Texas Rangers, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Maple Leaf Toronto, The Olympic Sports Center of Poland, Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, New York Rangers, and the United States Olympic Team.

Benefits to athletes

improved performance
faster recovery from exercise
reduced muscle soreness
faster rehabilitation
better competitive edge

Pneumatic Compression Pulse Technology

Pneumatic compression sequential pulse technology revolutionizes massage therapy in sports medicine. Compression massage therapy is one of the most effective recovery tools for athletes who want maximum performance and accelerated recovery. This method has been proven increase blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, as well as to reduce both muscle swelling and fatigue. This patented device, which is based on three distinct massage techniques, stimulates blood flow out of muscles, allowing metabolites that are the cause of pain and inflammation to be flushed out of the tissue. This device uses dynamic compression that mimics the natural flushing pulses of the muscle. These pulses move from the extremities upward to prevent the backflow of blood, speeding up the removal of waste products, such as lactic acid, that are created in the muscle during intense exercise. If the compression therapy is used before exercise or before a game, it will aid in the warm up process of the muscles, effectively helping reduce the risk of injury. Athletes have reported feeling refreshed and less sore after using the compression, which allows them to return to training faster and, thus maximizing their performance extensively.

Many professional athletes implement this technology as part of their daily training routine. Among these athletes are professional cyclists, triathlon competitors and professional players from the MLB, NBA, and NFL such as Larry Fitzgerald, Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O’Neal, Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash, Jason Terry, and Vernon Davis.

Benefits to athletes

Faster recovery from exercise
Faster rehabilitation
Reduced muscle soreness
Injury prevention

Powerplate Technology

Power Plate® Vibration Therapy is a futuristic whole body workout exercise machine that engages 95 percent of your muscle fibers, giving you enhanced and efficient fitness workouts. Some of the wide-ranging effects of this stimulation are weight loss, core conditioning and strengthening, improved balance and coordination, and enhanced bone density.

The technology behind Power Plate® equipment utilizes the secrets of the Soviet cosmonauts back in the 1960s to promote muscle tone by increasing the acceleration or the force of gravity to stimulate your body’s natural response to vibration.

Using PrecisionWave™ Technology – a high-fidelity harmonic vibration system – this revolutionary training technique delivers controlled waves of energy racing throughout your body. These vibrations cause your muscles to respond with rapid-fire contractions – between 25 and 50 times per second.

In fact, there are over 200 published scientific studies documenting the benefits that Acceleration Training can help you achieve.

Drawing upon the science behind a body’s natural response to vibration, Power Plate’s patented dual-synch driven vibrating platform triggers up to 50 reflexive muscle contractions per second. As the user’s body works to regain stability, up to 95 percent of the body’s muscle fibers become engaged in any single movement, significantly amplifying the effectiveness of any exercise performed on the plate. Research also shows that whole-body vibration stimulates the body’s natural production of the regenerative growth hormone that maintains tissue repair, muscle growth, brain function, energy and metabolism, all contributing factors to enhanced athletic performance and recovery.

“Power Plate has proven to be a very effective and popular training modality with our players,” said Chicago Bulls Strength and Conditioning Coach Erik Helland. “It has demonstrated impressive results even after a short period of use, increasing players’ strength, flexibility, metabolism and flexibility. Power Plate has also proved to be a good remedy to soreness and pain reduction, while accelerating the injury-rehab cycle.”

More than 100 professional sports teams around the world, including 75 percent of the four major sports franchises in the U.S., and scores of collegiate sports programs and Olympic training facilities worldwide, currently use Power Plate. Among an ever-growing roster of top-name athletes relying on Power Plate as a key component of their training regimen are four-time World Champion cyclist Sarah Hammer, LA Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier, numerous professional golfers including Lee Westwood and Jesper Parnevek, and tennis stars Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal.

Benefits to athletes

stimulates muscle strength and agility
improved flexibility, bone density, and blood circulation
aids in retaining a sense of balance and well-being
significantly increases core motion and stability

Isoinertial Technology

Isoinertial training is a revolutionary resistance training technology that was initially developed to combat muscle and bone loss during space travel. It uses the principles of strength training, but uses a flywheel, which allows the muscles to work through a wider range of motion at the maximum capacity than traditional weight training. The flywheel is accelerated or decelerated with muscle force and the level of inertia, which is proportional to speed, determines the force needed to move the device.

In traditional strength training, direction of motion varies for different exercises, but the direction of gravity is always the same. As a result, the maximum force is achieved at the so-called sticking point”. At one repetition maximum (1 RM), an athlete just passes the sticking point, but would be able to lift more weight in other angles of motion. Flywheel training is isoinertial (it maintains a constant inertia) throughout the range of motion, allowing the muscles to work at the maximal force at every angle. Flywheel training also allows the muscles to work under eccentric overload, or the downward portion of an exercise. Eccentric exercises are often under utilized by athletes, but provide great benefits for muscle strength, as muscles are approximately 30% stronger in the eccentric phase than in the concentric phase (the upward motion of the muscle). Eccentric exercises also strengthen the connective tissue around the muscles, improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness in the future.

Scientific studies on flywheel isoinertial training have shown that this type of training stimulates more muscle growth and strength and a results in a higher degree of muscle activation by the nervous system compared to traditional weight training. This technology therefore helps athletes improve their strength and flexibility and results in optimal performance while reducing the risk of injury.

Benefits to athletes

Improved range of motion
Improved strength
Improved muscle mass gain
Reduced future soreness
Reduced risk of injury

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjLGfsTgDXI

Huber Motion 3D Exercise Technology

Designed for progressive work, from simple warm-up exercises to intensive muscular strengthening and reconditioning, the state-of the-art Huber Motion 3D exercise technology is equipped with highly perceptive sensors that precisely isolate muscle groups to strengthen areas of weakness or instability. It is unique in its ability to strengthen and condition 180 deep spinal muscles and their surrounding joints, improving mobility and fluidity of movement.

Huber Motion Technology was designed and developed by leading European physicians, physical therapists, strength conditioning coaches and experts in biomechanics to offer the most state-of-the-art three dimensional rehabilitation/exercise equipment in the world today.

Huber Motion has developed a conditioning protocol for various sports, including golf, to baseball, or tennis. The customizable routine function on the machine allows you to target whatever weakness you have, which will produce a positive difference in your training.

Reinforcing and conditioning the entire spinal structure, Huber Motion effectively optimizes the biomechanics of movement in all sports. The machine’s virtual trainer provides repetitive and consistent movement patterns that mimic athletic performance in sports such as golf, baseball, hockey, football, tennis, basketball, golf and board sports such as skiing and surfing.

STRENGTHEN & ENHANCE PHYSIQUE
A strong, stable spine is essential to sports performance and injury prevention. The Huber Motion provides intensive targeted core and spinal muscle strengthening to provide a solid foundation of support.

INCREASE EXPLOSIVE POWER
Huber Motion increases agility in athletes, helping them perform more efficiently with greater symmetry and explosive power. A moving unstable environment forces the shoulders and hips to move separately to dynamically build core power.

IMPROVE BALANCE + EQUILIBRIUM
The functional exercises performed with Huber Motion utilizes the naturally occurring interaction between neurological input and muscular performance. This creates a kinematic muscular reaction in which the spine and supporting core spinal muscles strive to maintain equilibrium which challenges the somatosensory system to improve coordination, balance and posture.

ENHANCE COORDINATION & PROPRIOCEPTION
Huber Motion’s rotating platform provides an unstable environment to improve balance and symmetry of movement enhancing an athletes fluidity and agility. Coordination scores for left and right symmetry are provided after each session.

IMPROVE RANGE OF MOTION
A moving column and rotating platform provide a 3-D environment for a wide range of targeted, dynamic exercises to stretch spinal musculature, improve flexibility and increase proper range of motion. Huber Motion is safe and effective for all ages and is challenging for beginners and professional athletes alike.

InBody Composition Analysis

InBody body composition analyzer is the most accurate non-invasive method of analyzing body composition. It measures bio-electrical impedance, or the flow of electrical current through body tissue, to estimate the amount of body fat, lean muscle and water in the body to provide an accurate and repeatable analysis of overall health. InBody analyzer is the only non-invasive technology of its kind that is 98.4% as accurate as DEXA scan, the gold standard of body composition analysis used in scientific research laboratories.

Body composition in an important factor in athletic performance. The amount of lean muscle mass and fat in the body determine an athlete’s strength and provide fuel for athletic activities. The ideal body composition varies for different sports and even for different positions in the same sport. For example, athletes who rely on strength and short, explosive movements benefit from having a higher body weight and more lean muscle mass, whereas athletes who rely on aerodynamics, such as cyclists and marathon runners, benefit from having a lower body weight and less lean muscle mass. InBody analyzer gives a precise measurement of the body composition in the trunk, arms and legs and can identify any imbalances or problem areas in the body.

The detailed report of InBody body composition analysis also includes measurements of basal metabolic rate, which indicates how much energy is used at rest and is an important factor in determining the optimal diet for athletes. These measurements allow our team of sports science experts to develop the best training and nutrition plan for individual athletes to achieve the optimal body composition, improve energy levels and performance. They also allow our experts to monitor athlete’s progress and modify their plans as required.

Benefits to athletes

Improved performance
Improved strength
Improved energy levels
Improved health

Cardiopulmonary V02 MAX

The VO2 Max Assessment is the ultimate indicator of cardiovascular fitness and has been used for decades to determine aerobic capacity. The test is based on the premise that the amount of oxygen used by muscles is relative to the intensity of exercise. VO2 max values refer to the maximum amount of oxygen that can be used by muscles and represents an individual’s capacity to withstand the rigors of exercise. The technology used by the Sports Science Lab is at the forefront of cardiopulmonary exercise testing and utilizes a new approach in the measurement of oxygen consumption during and after exertion. It not only measures VO2 max, but also calculates sub-max VO2 and the individual’s anaerobic threshold. It also provides a metabolic assessment with a body composition analysis and by calculating the resting metabolic rate, which indicates the amount of energy, or calories, spent during rest. In addition, this test aids in the uncovering of fitness deficiencies by analyzing expired gases during exercise, allowing our sports scientists to customize training plans and formulas aimed to improve aerobic endurance and ensure optimal performance while reducing the risk of injury.

The VO2 max test has been used for decades by professional organizations such as the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, and UFC. ESPN’s Sport Science has recently analyzed former UFC Welterweight Champion, George St. Pierre, to determine if his anaerobic threshold gives him an edge during competition. During the assessment, host Jon Brenkus discovered that GSP had an anaerobic threshold 15% greater than his competitors. These data show that when GSP’s opponents have reached their cardiopulmonary limit, he is only at 85% of his max, proving how important cardiovascular fitness is in gaining an edge over the competition.

Benefits to athletes

Improved performance
Improved endurance
Better competitive edge
More efficient training

Super Pulsed Laser Technology

Super Pulsed Laser technology is among the most advanced technologies in sports rehabilitation. This technology is designed to get athletes back in the game quickly following an injury and has been scientifically proven to be effective in treating sports injuries. Trauma from sports injuries and intense exercise stimulates the release of chemicals that cause inflammation, which in turn, may cause damage in the long term to soft tissues and may predispose athletes to develop early-onset arthritis and degenerative damage in the joints. Super Pulsed Laser emits brief pulses of light onto damaged cells, where photons of light stimulate a series of cellular reactions to produce enzymes, increase blood and lymphatic flow and stimulate collagen production, which in turn, accelerates tissue healing, reducing inflammation, thus shortening the rehabilitation time from injuries, as well as the recovery time between workout sessions. Moreover, Super Pulsed Laser Technology can be used either as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other accelerated recovery modalities offered at the Sports Science Lab.

For the past decade, this technology has revolutionized treatment in the professional sports training rooms including the NBA, NHL, and USA Cycling, Ironman, and the United States Olympics. It has been clinically proven to be an effective treatment for pain associated with tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and plantar fasciitis.

Benefits to athletes

Improved performance
Injury prevention
Improved movement efficiency
Reduced pain (tennis elbow, golfers elbow and plantar fasciitis)
Faster rehabilitation
Faster recovery from exercise
Reduced muscle soreness
Shorter treatment time

Marc Pro Muscle Recovery

The Sports Science Lab uses the most effective muscle stimulator that reduces muscle fatigue and soreness, speeds up recovery and results in a faster return to play. The developer of this technology, MarcPro, used 30 years of scientific research to develop a device that improves physiological function of muscles. This technology is unique in its ability to stimulate muscles that are difficult to contract while preventing discomfort and fatigue.

The device works by applying small electrical currents to the muscle, which stimulate muscle contractions. Unlike most other muscle stimulators, which cause quick and strong muscle contractions that are often painful, MarcPro uses scientifically backed settings to comfortably contract and then slowly relax muscles in a manner that simulates active recovery. These gentle muscle contractions improve blood and lymph flow, deliver nutrients to the muscles, remove waste products and stimulate tissue repair after intense exercise.

MarcPro reduces muscle fatigue and soreness, allowing athletes to recover faster and get back to training sooner after intense exercise. Using MarcPro between training sessions aids in building muscle strength and improves conditioning and performance of muscles. It can also be used for warm up before exercise and for massage.

This technology is used by professional athletes and teams from many sports, including cycling, baseball, basketball, football, hockey, golf, tennis, triathlon and crossfit.

Benefits for athletes

Improved performance
Faster recovery
Faster return to play
Reduced risk of injury

Eye Tracking Technology

In sports, proper visual accuracy, eye motility and depth perception are closely linked to a higher level of athletic performance; whether hitting a fast ball, dunking a basketball, stopping a puck from going in, or scoring an unbelievable goal, an athlete depends on their eyes to perform at their greatest.

Eye tracking technology gives our sports scientist a very insightful tool into how the athlete perceives his/her surroundings, how they gather information about the field and his/her opponent strengths and weaknesses, the distance between them and their target, how they will perform a task and to make athletes aware of their own behavior to improve their performance.

The wearable eye tracker is very lightweight and does not obstruct vision nor mobility, enabling an athlete to perform their sport with as little interference as possible while at the same time ; Eye tracking is based on strategically located cameras taking up to 100 pictures a second of the fovea, which is a part of the retina of the eye where visual acuity reaches its highest point and where the center of the field of vision is located, allowing it to follow and track fine eye movements accurately and precisely in every condition, no matter the athlete’s size or sport .

This eye tracking technology has been used within a wide range of fields which include psycho-linguistics, neuroscience and sports medicine among many other fields of study.

As an example, Eye tracking technology can be used as a valuable tool for the folowing disciplines:

Soccer
Table tennis
Hockey
Baseball
Basketball
Skiing
Motorsport, Nascar driving
American football
Fencing
Tennis
Track running
Mountain biking
Golf
Archery

Strobe Goggle Training

Visual acuity is essential for athletic performance. We use visual information to form a picture of our surroundings, to estimate distance and speed of objects and to coordinate movements. Even small deficiencies in vision can have an impact on athletic performance. Despite the common perception that our senses are fully developed in childhood and decline later in life, recent research has shown that the brain has a remarkable capacity to train and improve our senses. Strobe goggles are designed to train the connections between the eyes, brain and body. This advanced technology uses liquid crystal technology that allows lenses in goggles to alternate between clear and opaque states several times a second. These brief periods of blocked visual input result in improved vision, attention and the ability to anticipate the timing of moving objects. By improving visual abilities, strobe goggles can improve athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury. NBA’s Stephan Curry, who is known for his speed and precision in shooting, wears strobe goggles to enhance his training.

Benefits to Athletes:

Better hand-eye coordination
Faster reaction time
Better depth perception
Improved performance
Prevent injuries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RupNqK86kKc

Sensory Performance Technology

The Sensory Station is a cutting-edge technology that uses principles of neuroscience to assess and train an athlete’s sensory system and improve performance. Coordination between the sensory and motor systems is essential for athletic performance. An athlete’s ability to assess his or her environment, estimate distance and perceive objects in the peripheral vision can make the difference between winning and losing.

The Sensory Station assesses ten visual and sensory-motor skills, including depth perception, eye mobility, peripheral and central vision, reaction time and eye/hand coordination. The station also measures the speed at which visual information is acquired and how quickly attention can shift from near to far objects. These measurements are then compared to a large database, which includes information from athletes of all levels and abilities, to identify any weaknesses that may exist.

The SSL team of experts analyzes the results and devises a training program to improve any deficiencies. Studies have shown that this science-based approach to visual training not only improves sports performance, but can also reduce the risk of concussions. The SSL uses this advanced technology to ensure that each athlete reaches their full potential and reduces the risk of injury.

Benefits to Athletes:

Better hand-eye coordination
Faster reaction time
Better depth perception
Improved performance
Prevent injuries

Quick Board Agility Trainer

The Quick board is the ultimate agility trainer. The Quick Board is scientifically proven to increase agility, quickness, and reaction. It provides real-time feedback via the iPad using objective data, which results in significant performance increases. This feedback enhances the proprioceptive benefit of exercises by performing tasks with the head up in order to fully restore pre-injury communication. In addition, the Quick Board is the only device that provides the capability and method to test + train lower extremity coordination, which can reduce exposure to injuries.

The Quick Board Bilateral React Drill is vital in tracking an athlete’s speed by monitoring for over training. The testing portion of the Quick Board highlights asymmetry due to dominancy or previous injury. It is also captures baseline data for critical return to play decisions.

Benefits to Athletes

Improve speed, agility, and quickness
Increase bilateral reaction and proprioception
Instant feedback to replicate game situations
Reduce chance of injury
Restore confidence with objective improvements

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Fastest feet in the Northeast! Watch SSL performance experts training Jeffrey Nguyen on his footwork using the ultimate agility trainer, while increasing his kinetic output with whole body resistance bands.
A post shared by Sports Science Lab (@nysportssciencelab) on Aug 4, 2017 at 9:21pm PDT

Halo Sport Neuropriming

The Halo Sport is a wearable fitness device that works through a process called Neuropriming. Neuropriming is the process of using neuro-stimulation during athletic training to build stronger, more optimized connections between the brain and the muscles. Neuropriming introduces a state of hyper-learning or “hyperplasticity” in the brain, which refines the brain’s ability to learn and adapt to athletic training. This allows athletes to see better results, faster.

Athletes wear Halo Sport before or during training, and the device’s soft foam primers deliver electrical stimulation to the brain’s motor cortex. This increases neuroplasticity, which accelerates the optimization of neuromuscular circuitry through training. Improved neuromuscular output leads to more precise, coordinated, and/or explosive movement — whichever the athlete targets during training.

Currently, Cleveland Browns linebacker Demario Davis, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Marcus Smith, Browns center Gabe Ikard, New England Patriots linebacker Trevor Bates, and, Oakland Raiders cornerback T.J. Carrie are all using Halo Sport and have all reported seeing improvements to their overall performance.

As a result of Halo Sport, Carrie has seen his vertical jump increase by six to eight inches and he has added 80 pounds to his squat.

Halo Sport builds on decades of academic research surrounding tDCS, TES, and other types of non-invasive brain stimulation. Over two thousand peer-reviewed papers speak to the efficacy, reliability, and safety of Halo Sport.

Force Plate

Force plate analysis measures ground reaction forces generated by the body. The force plate has been clinically proven to quantify balance, gait, and other parameters of biomechanics. In addition, force plates have been regularly used in research and clinical studies, in examining balance, gait, and sport performance.

Force plates are being used as measuring instruments for leading professional sport teams, such as the Atlanta Falcons. In measuring athlete’s explosiveness, the force plate calculates acceleration, work, power output, jump angle, and jump distance. The data provided from the force plate can determine the torque, work, and power of each joint.

Most recently, the force plate has been used at the NFL Combine in analyzing player’s vertical jump. By jumping as high as they can while standing on the platform, the plate determines how much force is being exerted. This analysis can be the difference in selecting one player over another, as it provides important information about a player’s athletic abilities. The force place analysis also identify players whose body composition and dynamics suggest that they will be able to play NFL football at a high level for an extended period of time.

Benefits to athletes

Increased vertical jump
Improved explosiveness and athleticism
Identifies imbalances via force output
Corrected gait patterns
Improved performance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icYyU3MwtUc

Visual Stimulus Technology

The FITLIGHT Trainer™ system is a unique wireless reaction training system comprised of LED powered lights. The lights act as targets for the user to touch and can be adapted and configured for all sports specific exercises. This training system is designed to capture human performance, targeting reaction time, speed, agility, and coordination.

Using real-time data, SSL performance training program incorporates Fitlight technology by creating customized measurable routines both on an individual and team basis. At SSL, the fitlight is used as a powerful training technology for a wide range of physical conditioning, reaction/response training, vision training and numerous other physical and cognitive skills training.

The FITLIGHT Trainer™ utilizes a combination of patent pending hardware, software and electronics to rapidly drive the user’s development in all areas with tangible feedback for a personal fitness benchmark. Designed for both outdoor & indoor use, the FITLIGHT Trainer™ is water and impact resistant, meaning it can be hit and touched with great power.

Professional athletes and teams such as the Toronto Raptors and Stephen Curry incorporate the Fitlight in their training sessions to slow the game down. The Fitlight is also being used as a military training device for snipers and marksmen as performance measurements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohANxGlB_AY

Altitude Training System

The Altitude Training mask is designed to simulate low-oxygen altitudes. This technology can mimic altitudes up to and beyond 15,000 feet. This system is great for athletes that are currently injured or rehabbing, as it allows for a proper cardiovascular workout. By maintaining and increasing aerobic capacity levels while injured, SSL’s exercise scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and performance enhancement specialists can focus on reconditioning and work on sport-specific skills. This makes the transition back to the field much easier. Most importantly, it allows the athlete to train harder and recover faster.

The system can also be used for weight training, as the altitude environment will increase their muscle mass, strength and endurance. Combined with the Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill, the Altitude Training Mask can significantly increase cardiovascular output, while reducing the impact on the body and joints. This allows for improvement in fitness levels, while rehabbing at the same time. This can also benefit athletes by preparing them in competitions at specific altitudes, all while simulating the oxygen environment. This will provide a competitive edge for their upcoming game or match.

Currently, this system is being utilized for rehab/cardiovascular strength at the pro and college level. The Falcons, Jets, Steelers, and Miami Heat all have implemented this system in their clubhouses/training areas. Elite athletes like LeBron James and Julio Jones have also incorporated this system into their training routines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZNqJi_0I_U

Dynamic Visual Stimulus Technology

Dynamic visual stimulus technology is a unique motion simulation device that utilizes sequential LED lights to both assess and train an athlete’s depth perception, focus, concentration, eye/hand coordination, eye/foot coordination, reaction time, stimulus anticipation, and timing during sport specific movements.

Using visual stimulus at different speeds up to 100 mph and configurations while collecting real-time data, SSL’s sports science experts incorporate this innovative technology by creating customized measurable routines both on an individual and team basis. At SSL, this system is used as a powerful training technology device for a wide range of reaction time/anticipation response training, vision training and numerous other cognitive and technical skills training that traditional training cannot replicate. Utilizing a combination of patent pending hardware, software and electronics to rapidly increase the user’s development in all areas allows each athlete to set a personal benchmark based on tangible feedback at every training session.

Benefits to athletes

Improved reaction time
Improved anticipation response for better accuracy
Improved eye/hand coordination
Improved eye/foot coordination
Improved stimulus anticipation and timing
Better depth perception, focus and concentration
Tangible feedback at every session

Vertimax Training System

The Vertimax is a cutting-edge sports performance training system, in which it dynamically and simultaneously loads multiple points on the human body. Traditional exercise machines restrict movements to a single plane of motion, which is an unnatural form of movement for the body and may potentially lead to faulty movement patterns or injury.

The Vertimax can be used to improve vertical jump, explosiveness, functional strength, speed training, and injury prevention across multiple different sports. When combined with other technologies at SSL, such as visual stimulus technology, the Vertimax can improve footwork, agility, reaction time, and speed. The platform on the Vertimax force the athlete to move and explode quicker, which primes their brain to adapt faster to variable stimuli.

Professional sport organizations such as the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rocket, LA Clippers have all implemented the Vertimax in their strength and conditioning programs. Over half the NFL and 70% of Division I colleges also use the VertiMax to improve explosive power, acceleration, top-end speed and the vertical jump. The training system can specifically target Combine drills and quickly transform weight room strength gains into superior game speed and power to put more play makers on the field at every position.

Keiser Pneumatic Technology

The Keiser weight lifting platform is the ultimate strength training machine. The platform is different from traditional squat/lifting racks, because it is equipped with different resistant levels. Keiser’s patented pneumatic technology provides a safer and more efficient way to increase power output, improve core stability, and gain muscle mass.

The platform works by activating the muscles and keeping them engaged throughout the entire range of motion and velocities, with reduced shock loading to muscles, connective tissues and joints. This allows our sports science experts to target an athlete’s workout by safely improving physical performance in ways not seen with traditional strength-training methods. A single 2+-inch diameter cylinder on the Keiser produces up to 500 pounds of force. By training the brain to respond more quickly to specific demands, the athlete will see their muscle activation increase exponentially. Keiser’s technology also helps reduce the chance of injury and can accelerate the rehab process.

Currently, Keiser’s air-resistance squat machines are being used by the NFL leading prospects at the NFL Combine.

Hyperthermic Conditioning

Hypothermic Conditioning combines tripe IRTM (3-in-1) for near, mid and far infrared benefits. It soothes, heats and raises the core body temperature with deep warmth called resonance that can keep your metabolism elevated for 4-12 hours after your session.

Scientific studies are prove that hyperthermic conditioning can offer a wide arrange of health benefits. According to research by the University of British Columbia the therapeutic use of infrared light can help relieve common pain, stress and fatigue and contribute to treatment programs for chronic diseases.Additionally, there is some indication that infrared heat can be used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome.Hyperthermic conditioning works to develop your muscle strength and tone your muscles while you burn calories. Many users simply cannot believe that these results can be achieved without movement of the body. Scientists explain, however, that sweating is part of the complex thermoregulatory process of the body involving significant increases in cardiac output (stroke volume and plasma volume), heart rate and metabolic rate. When Cocoon users undergo high-heat sessions, heat from the ambient air inside the cabinet is absorbed by the body which causes the body temperature to rise. The body automatically modulates the resulting increase in core temperature via a process called “thermogenesis”. This process — which ultimately cools the body by the evaporation of sweat –consumes approximately . 586 Kcal per gram of water lost in perspiration. Studies have shown that a moderately heat-conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams during a single session.

A highly heat-conditioned person can sweat off up to 600 calories during a session without adverse effects. Almost all the calories burned are eliminated as heat through the skin. About 75% of the calories burned during traditional physical exercise — such as running and cycling — are lost through the skin as heat via perspiration. Another way in which hyperthermic conditioning can be used to increase anabolism is through a massive induction of growth hormone. Growth hormone participates in regulating the body’s metabolism. It acts on fat cells to reduce the amount of stored fats, promotes protein synthesis in cells and plays a role in regulating the sugar levels in the blood.

Studies indicate that exposure to whole-body, intermittent hyperthermic conditioning through infrared use has an even more profound effect on boosting growth hormone immediately afterward: two one-hour infrared sessions a day for 7 days was shown to increase growth hormone by 16-fold on the third day. The growth hormone effects generally persist for a couple of hours post- sauna. It is also important to note that when hyperthermia and exercise are combined, they induce a synergistic increase in growth hormone.

Brain Mapping Technology

The brain is an often neglected and overlooked area of performance. How an athlete’s brain receives and interprets stimuli, whether through visual, auditory, or kinetic cues can make the difference in making a smart play on the field/court.

Our sports science experts utilize state-of-the-art brain mapping software and hardware technology that allow them to visually represent how an athlete’s brain reacts, adapts, and interacts. Via accessible EEG measurements on the outer layer of the brain cortex, our sports scientists can pinpoint how the brain waves that control stress, multi-tasking, focus, anxiety, etc. function. This provides the team with a more concise image on how the athlete’s brain works during live exercises. We can then tailor the athlete’s training program and create a more comprehensive approach to training.